Current Affairs - December 10, 2017 Current Affairs

UN Women in collaboration with Facebook inaugurated a two-day event in Mumbai titled 'We The Women' to empower and recognise the magnificent contribution of women in our society. The event witnessed speakers from different walks of life including Textile and I&B Minister, Smriti Irani, Sakshi Malik, Mithali Raj, Ekta Kapoor, Karan Johar and others.

An international financial organisation, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced that it has approved a loan of USD 346 million to fund highway upgradation project in Karanataka. Funds procured through this loan will be deployed to improve 419 km of state highways by upgrading it to two and four-lane highways. It will also include construction of planned pedestrian, installation of women-friendly amenities, marked crossings and proper signage.

The World Human Rights Day (WHRD) is observed every year on December 10 to commemorate the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. This year, in 2017, the Human Rights Day kicks off a year-long campaign to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The 2017 theme is 'Let's stand up for equality, justice and human dignity'.

Recently, Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced that India has been declared free from infective Trachoma. Trachoma is a contagious disease caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It causes inflamed granulation on the inner surface of the eyelids. Mr. Nadda outlined that India has been able to get rid of Trachoma on account of various efforts including provision of antibiotic eye drops, availability of safe water, personal hygiene, availability of surgical facilities for chronic Trachoma and improved environmental sanitation.

India is hosting the 'Bodhi Parva: BIMSTEC Festival of Buddhist Heritage' in New Delhi from December 8 to 10, 2017 as part of celebrations of 20th anniversary of BIMSTEC. The purpose of the fest is to emphasize and raise awareness of BIMSTEC's rich and common heritage. It was inaugurated by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the union minister of state for Culture (Independent Charge).

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the C40 cities network to work together to tackle air pollution. C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) is geared towards tackling climate change and taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas and thereby increasing the health and wellbeing of urban citizens. Under the MoU between BBMP and C40, experts from different cities across the world will share their experience and advice with Bengaluru on measure taken to tackle air pollution.

Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), inaugurated 'Bodhi Parva: BIMSTEC Festival of Buddhist Heritage' in New Delhi on December 08, 2017. India is hosting this three-day festival as part of celebrations of 20th anniversary of BIMSTEC. Bodhi Parva: BIMSTEC Festival of Buddhist Heritage', is expected to create awareness of BIMSTEC's rich and common heritage.

International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) will be organising ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2017 in New Delhi from 11th - 15th December 2017. This event is supported by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Union Ministry of Culture, State Governments of Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Odisha, and well-known companies in tourism sector. The objective of this event is to promote international co-operation and strengthen understanding in the field of heritage conservation.

Italian coach Raffaele Bergamasco, has been elevated to the position of Performance Director for India's senior women pugilists. Raffaele Bergamasco has been appointed as Performance Director for women's boxing. He will now also be a part of the team coaching the elite women along with coaching the Youth Womens team. He was the man behind India's best ever medal haul at the recently-concluded AIBA Womens Youth Boxing Championship.

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry (MoHUA ) has signed an agreement with German firm GIZ for technical cooperation in the implementation of transport projects in Coimbatore, Bhubaneshwar and Kochi. The agreement has been signed by the ministry's officer on special duty Mukund Kumar Sinha, and GIZ Country Director Wolfgang Hanning in the presence of Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. As per agreement, an amount of around Rs 29 crore through GIZ is envisaged for this purpose over a period of three years. The main objective of the agreement is to improve planning and implementation of sustainable urban transport.

Maharashtra State government has decided to offer cash rewards to gram panchayats and urban local bodies for making their respective areas plastic-free. It has placed a state-wide ban on plastic bags below 50 microns. However, the ban has not been effectively implemented. Under the cash award scheme, three villages from one revenue division each will be selected. First prize will be Rs 5 lakh. This scheme will encourage the involvement of local bodies and general masses for effective implementation of the plastic ban.

The ASEAN India Connectivity Summit (AICS) will held in New Delhi from December 11, 2017. The theme of the two-day Summit is "Powering Digital and Physical Linkages for Asia in the 21st Century". The purpose of the AICS is to accelerate existing connectivity prospects, identify issues of concern, evolve suitable policy recommendations and develop strategies to enhance economic, industrial and trade relations between ASEAN and India. Its focus areas are Infrastructure, Roadways, Shipping, Digital, Finance, Energy and Aviation. In addition, the AICS will be bringing together, policymakers, senior officials from the Government, investors, industry leaders, representatives of trade associations and entrepreneurs on the same platform.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore confirmed union government will launch a 'Khelo India' programme at a cost of 1,756 crore rupees for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20. The initiative marks a watershed moment in the history of Indian sports, as the programme aims at mainstreaming sports as a tool for individual development, community development, economic development and national development. The main aims to promote 150 select schools in as many districts, and 20 universities across the country, as hubs of sporting excellence, which would enable talented sportspersons to pursue the dual pathway of education and competitive sports.